Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Fort Worth, TX (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Fort Worth

Texas
97

Chicago is 3% more expensive than Fort Worth.

$1,380/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 2%
$75,134/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$76,602/yr ↑ 2%
$315,200 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$277,300 ↓ 12%
$1,502/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,489/mo ≈ Same
2,707,648
Population
941,311

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Fort Worth, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 97 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,468/year higher in Fort Worth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $277,300 in Fort Worth.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Fort Worth residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Fort Worth — common questions

Is Chicago or Fort Worth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Worth is cheaper to live in with an index of 97 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Fort Worth?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Fort Worth it's $1,412/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Fort Worth?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $76,602 in Fort Worth. Median household income is $1,468/year higher in Fort Worth.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Fort Worth?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Fort Worth has a cost index of 97 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Fort Worth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Fort Worth

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